Weather forecasting

Meteorological forecasting is the process of predicting weather conditions by using live data, past patterns, and computer models. Importantly, it provides key details about expected temperature, rain, wind, and air pressure over different periods. These can be hourly updates to longer-term forecasts.

Weather forecasting is an essential component of environmental risk management. At Fugro, we provide weather forecasts ranging from live to 16-day forecasts. Accurate weather forecasts are crucial for onshore and offshore industries since weather has a big impact on planning, safety, and how efficiently work can be done.

Our services leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to provide accurate weather forecasts. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) sets global standards and guidelines for these services, ensuring consistency and reliability.

In meteorology we use a range of weather technology, equipment and develop computational models to support our clients and their specific needs. These include the following:

Atmospheric Data: This includes real-time information on air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure. These details are for understanding the current weather conditions and are fundamental to weather forecasting.

Wave and Ocean Data: we use detailed marine data, such as wave height, wave direction, wave period, and ocean currents to assess and predict sea-state conditions, which are crucial for marine and offshore operations to make informed decisions. As well as marine weather forecasts in general.

Visibility and Cloud Cover: conditions related to visibility, cloud data, and other factors affecting visibility are closely monitored. This is particularly important for aviation safety in offshore settings, such as helicopter landings on helidecks.

Historical and Trend Data: to create accurate forecasts, historical data on previous weather patterns and oceanographic conditions is used. This past data is crucial for validating and refining predictive models and creating trend analyses that support long-term planning​ in weather forecasting solutions.

Metocean-Specific Data: combines meteorological and oceanographic data, offers an integrated approach, supporting complex operations that require simultaneous analysis of both atmospheric and oceanic conditions.

Professional meteorologists, data and other scientists create and ensure the accuracy of industrial weather data that ensures the accuracy of real-time, actionable weather predictions. They use industrial weather data to deliver tailored forecasts for day-to-day operations across various industries.

Operational weather forecasts rely on real-time monitoring and data collection to assess current atmospheric conditions and predict future weather patterns. This specialist service allows operations to continue in a safe and controlled setting, with warnings triggered when weather directly impacts whether work can continue safely.

The industries most at risk from adverse weather conditions include construction, aviation, offshore surveys, coastal works and port activity. By collecting real-time weather forecasting data, and providing early insights into safe working conditions, organisations can continue operations with confidence. Additionally, operational weather forecasting protects structural assets and maintains efficiency throughout the project life cycle.

Our weather risk assessment service is designed to help industries evaluate and manage the impact of adverse weather on their operations. Professional meteorologists provide specialist services such as observational data analysis, accurate forecasts and probability models to help project managers make informed decisions.

Additionally, Fugro's experts help companies assess potential weather-related risks to personnel, equipment, and assets by leveraging high-resolution forecast data, historical weather patterns, and continuous real-time monitoring.

These assessments integrate forecasted weather data with industry-specific risk criteria, helping clients evaluate when weather may approach operational limits. This proactive approach is crucial in high-risk environments where safety, efficiency and continuity are top priorities and most accurate operational weather forecaster is crucial.